Rauner, Democrat lawmakers urge passage of inmate ID bill

Gov. Bruce Rauner is urging Illinois lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it easier for inmates to get state identification cards when they’re released to help them get jobs and housing.

Two Democrats, Rep. Mary Flowers and Sen. Kwame Raoul, joined the Republican governor in calling for the House to pass the bill in November during the Legislature’s brief fall session. The Senate has already approved the bill.

Currently, inmates receive a temporary ID when they’re released and must pay $20 for a permanent one within 30 days. The bill would waive the fee and inmates who can provide a birth certificate or other documents would get a permanent ID. Those without documents would be given temporary identification cards for 90 days.